The Oxford Handbook of Social Cognition

Edited by Donal E. Carlston

Description

Social cognition, as a field, can be characterized as a distinct subarea of social psychology that examines all of the countless cognitive complexities, mental representations, and processes implicated in interaction, as well as an approach to studying interactions in the context of the groups, cultures, and societies to which they belong. Together these two facets of social cognition create one of the most influential and important social sciences to come along in some time.

Providing a comprehensive review of major topics in the field of social cognition, The Oxford Handbook of Social Cognition expresses that excitement and fascination in describing the content and approach that constitute the field today. The 43 chapters included in this handbook
cover:

- central aspects of the field of social cognition, including its history and historically important foundational research areas (attribution, attitudes, impression formation, and prejudice/stereotyping), along with methodology- core issues relating to social cognitive representations and processes (including those that are visual, implicit, or automatic) and the stages of information processing (attention, perception, memory, and judgment, along with simulation and thought suppression)- applications of the social cognition approach to areas of social psychology, general psychology, and other disciplines, such as marketing, law, health and politics

After more than 30 years, the vibrant field of social cognition continues to reign as one of
psychology's most dominant approaches. The impressive chapters collected in this volume define the field and contribute enormously to our understanding of what social cognition is today.

The Oxford Handbook of Social Cognition

Edited by Donal E. Carlston

Reviews and Awards

"The study of social cognition began with the application of theories and methods borrowed from cognitive psychology for the study of social behavior. It quickly became a popular and prolific subfield of social psychology. Carlston rightly wonders if 'subfield' satisfies as a description, as social cognition is also a perspective, point of view, orientation, approach, even a philosophy of doing social-psychological research. This expansive, 43-chapter handbook has four sections examining the topic's history and foundations, mental representation and information processing, social cognition and social psychology, and synergy with other areas of psychology and the social sciences. Those interested in social psychology will want to consult this fine work. Summing up: Highly
recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals." -D.S. Dunn, CHOICE

"This book provides a comprehensive and current review of major topics in social cognition. This is an important, extensive, and I would add, foundational work on the most important aspects of social psychology, particularly in the relatively new and growing area of social cognition. We commend the editor for his efforts in gathering material from contributors, organizing, and presenting it in this valuable volume." -Nano Khilnani, Biz India

"This amazingly comprehensive volume showcases the emergence of the social cognition perspective and the wide variety of domains of inquiry that have been illuminated by the approach." -Russell H. Fazio, Ohio State University

"...almost all of the major thinkers in this field have contributed chapters that are innovative, erudite, and enjoyable to read." -Reid Hastie, Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business

"The breadth and depth of the contributions to this seminal volume illustrate the explanatory, integrative and generative reach of the social cognition approach to human behavior." -Diane Mackie, University of California at Santa Barbara